United Women finish off impressive week by reaching semi-finals of League Cup with 2-1 victory over Spurs

Manchester United Women welcomed Tottenham Hotspur back to the Progress with Unity Stadium. Last weekend saw a thrilling 3-3 draw between the two sides in the league, but both were hoping to qualify for the semi-finals of the League Cup. First half Tottenham Hotspur Women had the earliest chance when Beth England headed over from close range after just two minutes. Phallon Tullis-Joyce has been a welcome addition to the line-up recently, and she proved her worth once again with a fine stop to deny Olivia Holdt from opening the scoring when she went one-on-one with the keeper. The American stayed big, though, and deflected her effort wide. United’s defence has not been as strong as it used to be lately, and this was proven once again when the visitors took the lead. United failed to deal with a free kick into the box, and Drew Spence impressively volleyed in her effort to shock the home crowd. After 19 minutes, United had their first effort on goal when Ella Toone struck from distance, but the ball flew well wide of the goal. A few moments later, Anna Sandberg saw a free kick curl over the bar from close range. United kept up the pressure, and Fridolina Rolfo’s low ball was almost turned in by Elisabeth Terland, but the ball just escaped her outstretched leg. Julia Olme was next to almost open United’s account, but her header from a corner was just about kept out by the Tottenham Hotspur Women keeper. In a repeat of last week, Marc Skinner’s side saw chance after chance go begging, as Toone’s lofted shot hit the crossbar after another corner kick. Despite United’s best efforts, Tottenham Hotspur Women managed to hold on to their lead until half time. Second half Luckily, the home crowd did not have to wait long for their goal in the second half. After just six minutes, brilliant work from Rolfo down the left saw a ball flashed across goal that the imperious Jess Park slid home with ease. Dominique Janssen then tested the visitors’ keeper with a fine free kick, but she got down well to stop it. After 65 minutes, it was the Dutch centre-back who once again came close. The ball dropped to her in the box from a free kick, but she could not keep her shot down as it blazed over the crossbar. United continued to apply pressure, and a Sandberg cross was met at the back post by the dangerous Rolfo, but her effort was blocked on the line. The game seemed like it was drifting towards extra time, but United had different ideas. Outstanding work down the left by Melvine Malard resulted in a lovely ball across goal that was blasted in by Rolfo, her third goal in the space of a week against the Lilywhites. FRIDO! FRIDO! FRIDO! 👏🔊 pic.twitter.com/h1DSXPkdDk — Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) December 21, 2025 Tottenham Hotspur Women were now jolted into action, and Tullis-Joyce saved well from another fine volley from Spence on 89 minutes. The referee added on six minutes of added time, but United were able to see the job through and will now have a League Cup semi-final against Arsenal to look forward to. United will now have a break over Christmas and will next be in action on 10 January against Arsenal in the Women’s Super League. Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.